Garage & Parking

Parking Overview

There are three parking areas in Cambridge Cohousing:

1. underground parking garage (under the West End units)

   • All units (except those belonging to the Cambridge Housing Authority) have a deeded right to one space in the garage, but not to a specific parking space in the garage.

2. one outside parking space next to the main CCH entrance

   • This is variously identified as for handicapped guests, or guest room visitors

   • Visitors are expected to put a homemade parking placard in their car when parking there, so that anyone else who needs the space at that time can reach the car owner.

3. outside parking spaces by the East End units

   • There are two spaces for drop-offs in the East End.

   • There is one space for the CHA unit in the East End.

   • Other spaces may be rented by East End residents who want to use an East End parking space in addition to their garage space.

On-street parking along Richdale Avenue is for Cambridge residents only. If you will have visitors from outside of Cambridge, you may request parking "consideration" from the city of Cambridge. See the City of Cambridge's website for more information and on online request form.

Parking regulation (excerpted from the By-Laws)

The purposes of this regulation are as follows:

• To provide fairness, minimize conflict, and retain flexibility.

• To help maintain good relations with our neighbors by minimizing street parking by CCH residents.

• To encourage unscheduled interaction among members through centralized parking.

• In accordance with our vision statement, to encourage use of public transportation, and healthy, non-polluting forms of travel such as walking and biking.

Rules:

• All units (except those belonging to the Cambridge Housing Authority) shall have deeded rights to an unspecified parking space in the garage.

• No owner may sell that right.

• The Managing Board will be responsible for assigning spaces in the garage and in the East End parking lot, taking into consideration any special needs and convenience of the residents. Such assignments may be reviewed and possibly changed at the request of residents.

• The Managing Board may rent spaces, not deeded to a resident, to residents of CCH, for the benefit of the Association.

• The CCH space in the West End, and at least two spaces in the East End lot shall be left unassigned for drop-off, delivery, live-parking, etc.

• Unit owners who do not own cars may rent their spaces only to other residents of CCH, at rental rates not to exceed a maximum to be established by the Managing Board, based on local market rates for such spaces that will be reviewed annually.

• Parking of RVs and boats on trailers anywhere on the CCH property must be approved by the Association.

Garage Storage

In keeping with local fire safety enforcement and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.org) standards, storage of personal items in the garage is permitted subject to the following restrictions:

• Items stored cannot impinge on adjacent parking spaces, or cause parked vehicles to extend over 18 feet from the wall.

• Outdoor items and sporting equipment may be stored in the garage as long as the above provision is met.

• The garage is the only location suitable for storing combustible liquids and must be in containers approved for the purpose.

• Household items (furniture, books, appliances, etc.) may not be stored in the garage as they have been known to prolong or increase the dangers of garage fires.

• Hanging items from the wall or ceiling may be permitted through the Design Review Process.

(Bob Cowherd 2018)